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February 13th, 2012

KOREAN CONFLICT (1950-53)

At the end of World War II, Korea was divided at the 38th parallel into Soviet (North Korean) and US (South Korean) zones of occupation. In 1948 rival governments were established: The Republic of Korea was proclaimed in the South and the People’s Democratic Republic of Korea in the North. Relations between these two countries became increasingly strained, and on June 25, 1950, North Korean forces invaded South Korea. The United Nations quickly condemned the invasion as an act of aggression, demanded the withdrawal of North Korean troops from the South, and called upon its members to aid South Korea. On June 27, 1950, United States President Harry S Truman authorized the use of American land, sea and air forces in Korea, a week later, the United Nations placed the forces of 15 other member nations under United States command, and Truman appointed Gen. Douglas MacArthur supreme commander. The conflict ended with an armistice agreement signed July 27, 1953. Casualties in the war were heavy. United States losses were placed at over 54, 000 dead and 103,000 wounded, while Chinese and Korean casualties were each at least 10 times as high.

Recruitment practices and the enlistment of men and women into the armed forces had changed by the 1950s, and there were no longer large groups from a particular region or area who mustered into service on the same date or in the same regiment. Because of these changes, it is very difficult to ascertain the names of service men and women from the Watsontown area who served during the most recent conflicts. Therefore, in an attempt to preserve the names of those from the Watsontown vicinity who served in the military during the Korean War, the following is only a partial list submitted by those who have served or by their family members.

My Maternal Uncle;
Benjamin Max Patterson was called up in 1952 and served in Korea. I have photos of that time. Not too sure if I have other docu- mentation. I remem-
her he was living with our family in Norris-
town,Pa when he left

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